Electrically driven actuation unit of toggle lever or cam type

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating unit (10) of the toggle lever or cam type, comprising: a housing body (11) to which an actuator element (13) is movably mounted between an open position and a closed operating position; a closing device (40) arranged in the housing body (11) and configured to move the actuator element (13) between an open position and a closed operating position, where the closing device (40) is configured to reach a condition in which movement is irreversible when the actuator element (13) reaches the closed operating position, the closing device (40) being driven by the control handle (14); and an electric actuator (20) provided with an actuator body (23) connected to the housing body (11), the electric actuator (20) being configured to linearly move the control handle (14) along an actuation axis (A) between a first maximum insertion position in the actuator body (23) and a second minimum insertion position in the actuator body (23), the electric actuator (20) comprises a cylindrical electromagnetic stator (21) and a cylindrical hollow magnetic rotor (24) located inside and coaxial with the electromagnetic stator (21), in which the magnetic rotor (24) is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and is characterized in that the connection of the actuator body (23) to the housing body (11) is of the releasable type, an end wall (25b) of the actuator body (23), which serves as a connection interface with the housing body (11), and a bottom wall (11c) of the housing body (11), which serves as a connection interface with the actuator body (23), are shaped in a complementary manner in order to guide the relative positioning between the actuator body (23) and the housing body (11). Wherein the actuation axis (A) substantially coincides with the axis of rotation of the magnetic rotor (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to an electrically driven actuation unit of the toggle lever or cam type. In particular, this invention relates to a toggle lever or cam type actuation unit typically used in the field of sheet metal processing, for example, in the construction of vehicle bodies. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of the construction of motor vehicle bodies, various types of actuation units are known to be used, including actuation units for blocking the sheet metal to be welded, rotary units for moving the blocking unit group, and centering units for correctly positioning the sheet metal on the instrument by means of special references.

[0003] Therefore, known actuation units include a closing device capable of moving between a first operating position and a second operating position, in which the closing device reaches an irreversible condition. Once the irreversible condition is triggered, the closing device can remain in the second operating position even without a drive command. Typical closing devices capable of taking an irreversible condition are toggle lever devices, such as toggle devices or cam closing devices. The closing device is connected to an actuator element to move it between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position of the actuator element corresponds to the second operating position of the closing device under the condition of triggering irreversibility. Depending on the type of actuation unit, the actuator element can be in the form of an arm, a handle, etc.

[0004] These actuation units are typically controlled by pneumatic or electric actuators that act on an element that can move axially between two end positions, and the actuator, through this element, acts on a closing device to move the closing device between a first operating position and a second operating position. Generally, the axially movable element acting on the closing device can be made in the form of a rod, the ends of which are shaped like a fork, trolley, or other similar device.

[0005] To facilitate maintenance of the actuation unit, the unit needs to be specifically designed so that the actuator, whether pneumatic or electric, can be replaced.

[0006] Especially in electrically driven actuators, actuator replacement can be complex and difficult. In fact, due to the nature of the actuators traditionally used in electrically driven actuators, the action is applied by rotating a driven handle, thus requiring special gears to convert the rotational motion into linear translation of the guide rod acting on the closing device. The structural complexity of such actuators and the number of gears involved often make it difficult to manufacture connection interfaces that facilitate the disassembly and reassembly of the actuators.

[0007] Electrically driven actuation units are also known, utilizing an electric actuator configured to control the translation of a handle. In such a unit, the electric actuator includes an electromagnetic stator associated with a hollow magnetic rotor, which is connected via a nut and screw to a threaded handle arranged coaxially with the rotor. Therefore, rotation of the magnetic rotor about its axis of rotation causes the threaded handle to translate along the actuation axis of the closing device, resulting in the threaded handle protruding further from or retracting from the actuator. An example of an electrically driven actuation unit with a control handle having pilot-controlled translation is described in EP1066929A2.

[0008] Even when using an actuator unit with an electric actuator that has a pilot-controlled translational control handle, actuator replaceability can present serious problems that can negatively impact the actuator unit's performance, as well as its wear and tear. In fact, when replacing an actuator, it is crucial to ensure precise positioning between the actuator and the housing body of the closing device, so that the pilot-controlled control handle is mounted in a tightly coaxial arrangement with the rotation axis of the guide rod of the closing device and the magnetic rotor of the actuator. Furthermore, to ensure maximum operating efficiency, the assembly and disassembly of the actuator must not alter the coaxial arrangement between the stator and rotor. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In view of the above, the fundamental problem of the present invention is to design an actuation unit that can overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0010] In the context of this problem, the object of the present invention is to manufacture an electrically driven actuation unit of the toggle lever or cam type, which allows for the replacement of the electric actuator of the actuation unit without altering the coaxial arrangement of various moving parts, thus facilitating the control and guidance of the closing device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to manufacture an electrically driven actuation unit of the toggle lever or cam type, which allows for the replacement of an electric actuator without causing performance degradation and wear of the actuation unit.

[0012] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to an actuating unit of the toggle lever or cam type, comprising:

[0013] - Housing body, to which actuator elements are mounted so as to be movable between an open position and a closed operating position;

[0014] --A closing device, disposed within the housing body and configured to move an actuator element between an open position and a closed operating position, wherein the closing device is configured to achieve irreversible movement when the actuator element reaches the closed operating position, the closing device being actuated by a control handle; and

[0015] - An electric actuator having an actuator body connected to a housing body, the electric actuator being configured to move a control handle linearly along an actuation axis between a first maximum insertion position and a second minimum insertion position in the actuator body, wherein the electric actuator includes a cylindrical electromagnetic stator and a cylindrical hollow magnetic rotor located inside the electromagnetic stator and coaxial with the electromagnetic stator, wherein the magnetic rotor is rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0016] According to the present invention, the connection between the actuator body and the housing body is of the releasable type, and the end wall of the actuator body that serves as the connection interface with the housing body and the bottom wall of the housing body that serves as the connection interface with the actuator body are formed in a complementary manner to achieve relative positioning guidance between the actuator body and the housing body, such that the actuation axis is substantially coincident with the rotation axis of the magnetic rotor.

[0017] The applicant has determined that the removable connection between the actuator body and the housing body facilitates the maintenance and replacement of the electric actuator.

[0018] Furthermore, the specific shapes of the end wall of the actuator body, which serves as the connection interface with the housing body, and the bottom wall of the housing body, which serves as the connection interface with the actuator body, ensure precise positioning relative to the actuation axis of the closing device, which coincides with the rotation axis of the magnetic rotor, thereby minimizing the friction involved, in order to achieve relative positioning guidance between the actuator body and the housing body.

[0019] The present invention may have at least one of the following preferred features: the features can be combined with each other as needed to meet specific application requirements.

[0020] In a variant of the invention, the actuator body includes guide and centering protrusions that extend at least partially outward from an end wall of the actuator body serving as a connection interface with the housing body. Correspondingly, the housing body includes a guide opening formed on a bottom wall of the housing body serving as a connection interface with the actuator body, the guide opening being configured to receive and cooperate with the guide and centering protrusions therein to achieve relative positioning guidance.

[0021] In a completely equivalent and alternative manner, the actuator body includes a guide port that retracts at least partially into the actuator body from an end wall of the actuator body that serves as a connection interface with the housing body. Correspondingly, the housing body includes guide and centering protrusions formed on a bottom wall of the housing body that serves as a connection interface with the actuator body, the guide port being configured to receive and cooperate with the guide and centering protrusions therein to achieve relative positioning guidance.

[0022] Advantageously, the presence of guide and centering protrusions on the actuator body or on the bottom wall of the housing body of the closure device facilitates the user's positioning of the two components as centered and coaxial with each other during assembly. This is further supported by the presence of guide openings on the bottom wall of the housing body or, respectively, on the end walls of the actuator body, which are configured to receive and cooperate with the guide and centering protrusions to induce relative positioning between the actuator body and the housing body.

[0023] Preferably, the guide port has at least a portion of a cross section that is complementary to at least one cross section of the guide and centering protrusion transverse to the actuation axis.

[0024] More preferably, at least one complementary section of the guide port can be connected to the guide and centering protrusion by interference and / or substantially without gap.

[0025] Advantageously, the interference fit or virtually no clearance between the guide port and the guide and centering protrusion ensures a high degree of accuracy in the relative positioning between the housing body and the actuator body, thereby ensuring a fundamental coaxiality between the actuation axis of the closing device and the rotation axis of the magnetic rotor.

[0026] In a variant of the invention, the first end of the magnetic rotor protrudes from the actuator body at a relative positioning guide, preferably at a guide and centering protrusion.

[0027] Preferably, the first end of the magnetic rotor protrudes from the actuator body and extends at least partially inside the housing body.

[0028] Preferably, the guide opening is shaped to accommodate the protruding first end in a freely rotatable manner.

[0029] Preferably, the guide and centering protrusion has an extension surrounding the protruding end of the magnetic rotor, and more preferably has an extension that is symmetrical with respect to the actuation axis.

[0030] In a variation of the invention, the magnetic rotor is constrained to the actuator body in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis by means of a pair of bearings.

[0031] In the context of this specification and the appended claims, "bearing" is intended to refer to a rotary guiding element configured to reduce friction between two adjacent elements, wherein the first element is rotaryly fixed while the second element is free to rotate. For example, "bearing" should be understood to mean a ball bearing, a roller bearing, or more simply, a bushing made of a material suitable for reducing friction between two adjacent elements, such as a Teflon bushing.

[0032] Preferably, the bearings in the pair of bearings are arranged substantially at or near the head end and bottom end of the actuator body.

[0033] Preferably, the end cover of the actuator body, which externally outlines the end wall, defines a housing for a first bearing in a pair of bearings, the first bearing facing the actuator body internally.

[0034] More preferably, the housing body of the first bearing is formed at the relative positioning guide, for example at the guide and centering protrusion.

[0035] This allows for the advantageous construction of actuators in a particularly compact manner.

[0036] In a variation of the invention, the control handle is threaded and engages a nut screw, which is integrally connected to the magnetic rotor. The nut screw has internal threads configured to engage the threads of the control handle, such that rotation of the nut causes translation of the threaded handle.

[0037] Preferably, the nut screw is at least partially housed in the hollow magnetic rotor at its first end protruding from the actuator body.

[0038] Preferably, the nut and screw are substantially completely housed within a defined volume inside the hollow magnetic rotor.

[0039] Advantageously, the internal arrangement of the nut and screw as an integral and / or monolithic component relative to the hollow magnetic rotor facilitates a strictly coaxial arrangement of the rotor-nut and screw assembly relative to the stator, thereby minimizing friction and allowing for maximum utilization of the torque provided by the electric actuator. In fact, the nut and screw's position within the rotor prevents any minor movement that might occur during actuator assembly into the housing body.

[0040] In addition, due to the arrangement of the nut screw relative to the interior of the hollow magnetic rotor, the rotor can also be supported by a pair of bearings.

[0041] Preferably, the threads of the control handle are configured to allow for reversible rotation of the control handle without a command applied by the electric actuator.

[0042] Conveniently, in addition to the assembly operation of the electric actuator to the housing body, the thread suitable for allowing the rotational reversibility of the control handle facilitates the manual opening operation of the actuator unit.

[0043] In a variation of the invention, the first end of the hollow magnetic rotor is made in the form of a conical ring gear.

[0044] Preferably, the unit further includes a first manual drive device configured to apply rotation to the end of the ring gear of the magnetic rotor.

[0045] Advantageously, the shape of the first end of the ring gear rotor and the presence of a first manual drive device that applies rotation to such a ring gear allow for direct manual action on the rotor, facilitating the disassembly and reassembly of the electric actuator to the housing body, thereby applying an action precisely coaxial with the actuation axis and the rotation axis.

[0046] More preferably, the first manual drive includes at least one toothed element housed in the housing body near the bottom wall of the housing body. The toothed element is arranged in the housing body in a manner rotatable about an axis transverse to the actuation axis and translatable along the transverse axis to selectively engage the end of the ring gear. The toothed element is configured such that when engaged with the end of the ring gear, rotation applied to the toothed element about the transverse axis causes the magnetic rotor to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0047] Preferably, the toothed element includes a toothed conical head.

[0048] More preferably, the elastic return device acts on at least one toothed element to return the toothed element to a position disengaged from the end of the ring gear when the toothed element is not forced into an engaged position.

[0049] The special shape of the manual drive allows for easy and convenient operation of the rotor, potentially using conventional tools such as electric screwdrivers. In fact, the action on the rotor can be applied by acting transversely to the actuation axis on the toothed element, thereby engaging the toothed element with the rotor and applying rotation to the toothed element. Advantageously, once the action on the transverse element ceases, the toothed element independently returns to its rest position due to the elastic return mechanism, in which it is not engaged with the rotor.

[0050] In a variation of the invention, the bottom wall of the housing body includes a pair of engagement seats arranged symmetrically about the intersection of the actuation axes on the bottom wall.

[0051] Similarly, the actuator body includes a pair of screws that pass through the actuator body parallel to the actuation axis and are arranged at opposite angular positions relative to the actuation axis.

[0052] Advantageously, this symmetrical arrangement of the engagement seat and screws allows the electric actuator to be assembled into the housing body in a first orientation or a second orientation rotated 180° relative to the first orientation without difference, thereby allowing the drive electronics to be housed on the first or second side relative to the drive body.

[0053] In a variant of the invention, the unit includes a second manual control device comprising a control lever located outside the housing body and rotatably connected to the housing body at a pivot, and a push arm disposed inside the housing body. The push arm is integrally connected to the control lever at a pivot such that rotation of the lever outside the housing body causes rotation of the push arm inside the housing body. The push arm is then connected to a guide rod such that rotation of the arm causes the guide rod to translate axially along the actuation axis.

[0054] Preferably, the push arm is shaped like a fork, comprising two branches, with a guide rod arranged between the two branches.

[0055] Preferably, the push arm is constrained to the guide rod in a rotatable and slidable manner according to the guided motion.

[0056] More preferably, an abutment cam is formed on the outer surface of the guide rod, the abutment cam being configured to engage the side surface of the push arm during rotation of the push arm.

[0057] More preferably, each of the two branches of the push arm is incorporated into a slide rail, and the corresponding ball is constrained to slide and rotate in the slide rail, and the ball is constrained to rotate inside a corresponding seat made on the outer surface of the guide rod.

[0058] In a variation of the invention, the bearings of the pair of bearings are both radial thrust bearings and axial thrust bearings.

[0059] Preferably, the bearing of the pair of bearings includes a plurality of balls housed in a crown seat, the seat forming an upper abutment portion and a lower abutment portion, the balls engaging against the upper abutment portion and the lower abutment portion.

[0060] Therefore, conveniently, the bearing allows the magnetic rotor to rotate while maintaining its position precisely coaxial with the actuation axis and counteracting the acting axial force, especially when reaching the end position of the control handle.

[0061] In a variant of the invention, the electromagnetic stator includes a plurality of coils having winding axes arranged radially relative to the axis of rotation, and the cylindrical hollow magnetic rotor includes an annular permanent magnet arranged on a cylindrical shell, the annular axis being parallel to the actuation axis A.

[0062] In one variation of the invention, the control handle is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with a guide rod, which in turn is connected to a closing device.

[0063] In a variation of the invention, at least a portion of the guide rod is slidably received within a sliding seat coaxial with the actuation axis, and the at least a portion of the guide rod includes at least a pair of sliding rollers configured to slide the guide rod within the sliding seat to prevent the guide rod from rotating about the actuation axis.

[0064] Conveniently, this shape of the guide rod prevents it from rotating about the actuation axis, for example, after rotation has been applied to the rotor by a manual drive.

[0065] In a variant of the invention, the unit includes an encoder associated with a cylindrical hollow magnetic rotor, the encoder being configured to monitor the instantaneous position of the handle based on the number of revolutions performed by the rotor.

[0066] Preferably, the actuation unit is an actuation unit selected from the group consisting of:

[0067] -Clamping unit

[0068] - Rotating unit, and

[0069] - Centering device. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] As described above, different features in a single configuration can be combined with each other as needed, if a specific combination leads to a specific advantage.

[0072] In such an attached diagram,

[0073] - Figure 1a and Figure 1b This is a side elevation view of an electrically driven actuator unit according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the clamping unit is configured in both the actuator arm being in a closed operating position and the actuator arm being in an open configuration.

[0074] - Figure 2a and Figure 2b They are along Figure 1a and Figure 1b The cross-sectional view of the actuator unit is shown in section DD. For simplicity, the actuator arm has been removed.

[0075] - Figure 3a and Figure 3b They are along Figure 2a and Figure 2b A cross-sectional view of the actuation axis A of the actuation unit;

[0076] - Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electrically driven actuation unit of Figure 2 in a partially disassembled configuration; and

[0077] - Figure 5 This is a perspective view taken from below the housing body of the actuation unit in Figure 2, in a configuration detached from the electric actuator;

[0078] - Figure 6a and Figure 6b yes Figure 1a A partial cross-sectional view of the actuation unit, wherein actuation electronics are assembled from a first side and a second side, respectively; and

[0079] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrically driven actuation unit according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0080] For the purpose of illustrating the accompanying drawings, the same numbers or symbols are used in the following description to indicate construction elements with the same function. Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numerals may not be repeated in all drawings.

[0081] While the invention is readily adaptable to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. In any event, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated, but rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternatives, and equivalent constructions falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0082] Unless otherwise indicated, the use of "for example," "etc.", and "or" indicates a non-exclusive alternative without limitation. The use of "including" and "contains" means "includes or includes, but is not limited to," unless otherwise indicated.

[0083] Reference Figure 1a and Figure 1b The illustration shows a first preferred embodiment of the actuation unit with a toggle lever according to the present invention, generally designated as 10, specifically made in the form of a clamping unit having an actuator element 13 in the form of an arm.

[0084] Figure 1a The diagram shows the clamping unit 10, with the actuator arm 13 in the closed operating position; Figure 1b The image shows the actuator arm 13 in its open position.

[0085] In the case of other types of actuation units, such as centering units, several actuator arms may be provided, such as two actuator arms.

[0086] The clamping unit 10 includes a housing body 11, within which a toggle lever or toggle-type closing device 40 is arranged. This closing device 40 is operable in a first open operating position (in...). Figure 2b and Figure 3b (as shown in the diagram) and the second closing operation position (in Figure 2a and Figure 3a (As shown in the diagram) moving between them.

[0087] The clamping unit 10 also includes an electric actuator 20, which is provided with an actuator body 23, which is removably connected to the housing body 11 of the closing device 40 at the bottom wall 11c of the housing body 11.

[0088] An electric actuator 20 is configured to act on a handle 14 to control the closing device 40. Specifically, the electric actuator 20 is configured to move the control handle 14 linearly along the actuation axis A between two end positions: a first maximum insertion position and a second minimum insertion position in the actuator body 23. To cooperate with the electric actuator 20, the control handle 14 has threads on its housing.

[0089] The electric actuator 20 is of the hollow shaft type, such as a torque motor, and includes a cylindrical electromagnetic stator 21 integrally constrained to the actuator body 23. The electromagnetic stator 21 cooperates with a corresponding hollow magnetic rotor 24, which is also cylindrical and arranged coaxially within the electromagnetic stator 21. The magnetic rotor 24 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, which specifically coincides with the actuation axis A. The electromagnetic stator 21 is powered by drive electronics 30 mounted laterally relative to the actuator body 23.

[0090] Preferably, the electromagnetic stator 21 includes a plurality of coils (not shown) having radial winding axes relative to the actuation axis A. The hollow magnetic rotor 24 includes an annular permanent magnet (not shown) arranged on a cylindrical shell, wherein the annular axis is parallel to the actuation axis A.

[0091] The magnetic rotor 24 is axially constrained to the actuator body 23 by the insertion of a pair of bearings 31, 32, which are substantially arranged at or near the head and bottom ends of the body 23. Each end of the actuator body 23 is preferably closed by a corresponding end cover 25 and a bottom cover 27, wherein the end cover 25 defines the end wall 25b of the actuator body 23 externally at the top, and the bottom cover 27 defines the bottom wall of the actuator body 23 externally at the bottom.

[0092] A nut and screw 22 integrally constrained to the hollow magnetic rotor 24 is also provided. The nut and screw 22 has an internal thread configured to engage a threaded control handle 14, such that rotation of the nut and screw 22 caused by the cylindrical rotor 24 causes translation of the threaded control handle 14. Conveniently, the nut and screw 22 is housed within the hollow magnetic rotor 24, preferably remaining substantially completely enclosed within the hollow magnetic rotor 24.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the nut screw 22 is arranged inside the hollow magnetic rotor 24 at its first end 24a, which protrudes from the actuator body 23, and is secured inside the rotor 24 by an annular nut 26. Specifically, the first end 24a of the rotor 24 protrudes from the actuator body 23 at an end cover 25, which closes the body 23 at the top and serves as a connection interface with the housing body 11. In particular, the first end 24a of the rotor 24 extends inside the housing body 11.

[0094] In a possible variation of the invention not shown, the hollow magnetic rotor 24 has an internal thread configured to engage the threaded control handle 14, which itself acts as a nut screw.

[0095] The threaded control handle 14 is fixedly and coaxially connected to the first end of the guide rod 15. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the control handle 14 and the guide rod 15 are made as a single unit.

[0096] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the second end of the guide rod 15, opposite to the first end, is slidably received within a sliding seat 11a of the housing body 11, which extends along the actuation axis A. The second end of the guide rod 15 has a forked end that connects to a closing device 40 within the housing body 11, allowing it to move between a first operating position and a second operating position.

[0097] The first and second operating positions of the closing device 40 correspond to two end positions, respectively, and the control handle 14 can move between these two end positions under the action of the actuator 20. In effect, such a control handle 14 causes the guide rod 15 to translate within the sliding seat 11a. The guide rod 15 includes two pairs of sliding rollers 15a (in... Figure 2b (Only one pair is visible in the middle), its guide rod 15 slides within the sliding seat 11a to prevent it from rotating.

[0098] In detail, the closing device 40 includes a connecting rod 41 and a crank 42, which are rotatably connected to each other at their respective ends about a first axis orthogonal to the actuation axis A. A guide rod 15 is constrained to the other end of the connecting rod 41 of the closing device 40 in a manner rotatable about a second axis orthogonal to the actuation axis A. Both the first and second orthogonal axes are movable with the movement of the connecting rod 41 and the crank 42 guided by the guide rod 15.

[0099] At its other end, crank 42 is constrained to housing body 11 in a manner rotatable about a third axis orthogonal to axis A, wherein the third orthogonal axis is fixed. At the third orthogonal axis, crank 42 is provided with a pivot 12, coaxial with the third orthogonal axis and protruding from the opposite side of housing body 11, as shown below. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As can be seen in the diagram. At the protruding end of the coaxial pivot 12, the actuator arm 13 (for clarity, only...) Figure 1a and Figure 1b (As shown in the figure) are integrally constrained, thereby causing the actuator arm 13 to rotate by the movement of the connecting rod 41-crank 42 assembly.

[0100] The housing body 11 and the actuator body 23 are advantageously shaped in a complementary manner to form a centering guide on the other, thereby facilitating the assembly or replacement of the electric actuator 20 on the body 11.

[0101] Therefore, as in Figure 4 The actuator body 23 is clearly visible in the image. Figure 4 The end wall 25b (shown in the diagram) has at least one guide and centering protrusion 25a extending outward toward the actuator body 23. Preferably, the guide and centering protrusion 25a has an axisymmetric extension relative to the actuation axis A, such as a cylindrical extension centered on the actuation axis A or an extension of concentric cylinders with different diameters centered on the actuation axis A. The guide and centering protrusion 25a extends around the protruding end 24a of the magnetic rotor 24, and preferably substantially contacts it.

[0102] In a complementary manner, the housing body 11 has a guide opening 37 formed on its bottom wall 11c (in Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram), it serves as a connection interface with the actuator body 23. The guide port 37 is shaped to accommodate at least a portion of the first protruding end 24a of the magnetic rotor 24 and the guide and centering protrusion 25a. Specifically, the first protruding end 24a of the magnetic rotor 24 can be accommodated in the guide port 37 and, in the assembled configuration, is accommodated in the guide port 37 without contact to allow free rotation. In contrast, the guide and centering protrusion 25a can be accommodated in the guide port 37 and, in the assembled configuration, has interference or substantially no gap, thereby providing substantially precise centering between the actuation axis A and the rotation axis of the magnetic rotor 24.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the end cover 25 advantageously defines a housing for the first bearing 31 of a pair of bearings 31, 32. In particular, the housing for the first bearing 31 is advantageously formed at the guide and centering protrusion 25a, but arranged on the opposite side relative to the end wall 25b externally defined by the cover 25, i.e., facing the interior of the actuator body 23.

[0104] Therefore, the first bearing 31 is arranged substantially near the first end 24a of the magnetic rotor 24. The first bearing 31 is housed in a seat defined by the end cover 25 by means of an insert liner 38 to increase the insulation and protection of the actuator body 23.

[0105] Similar to the first bearing 31, the second bearing 32 of a pair of bearings 31, 32 is arranged at the second end 24b of the magnetic rotor 24 opposite to the first end 24a, which is basically located at the bottom end of the actuator body 23.

[0106] Preferably, both the first bearing 31 and the second bearing 32 are of the radial and axial thrust type. In the illustrated embodiment, for this purpose, the bearings 31, 32 include a plurality of balls 33 housed in a crown-shaped seat 34, thereby forming an upper abutment portion 35 and a lower abutment portion 36, the balls 33 engaging against the upper abutment portion 35 and the lower abutment portion 36.

[0107] The bottom cover 27 of the actuator body 23 carries an encoder 28 for monitoring the instantaneous position of the control handle 14 based on the number of revolutions performed by the rotor 24 and detected by the encoder 28. For this purpose, the magnetic rotor 24 carries a magnet 29 at its second end 24b, opposite to the first end 24a.

[0108] The actuation unit 10 also includes a first manual drive device 16 for the rotor 24. For this purpose, a first end 24a of the rotor 24 protruding from the actuator body 23 is formed in the form of a conical ring gear, and the first manual drive device 16 is configured to apply rotation to the ring gear end 24a of the magnetic rotor 24. Specifically, the first manual drive device 16 includes at least one toothed element 16a housed in the body 11 near the bottom wall 11c of the body 11.

[0109] At least one toothed element 16a is housed within the housing body 11 such that its first end terminates substantially at the ring gear end 24a, and its second end faces laterally from an opening 11b provided on the housing body 11. At least one toothed element 16a has a toothed conical end at its first end, which is configured to engage with the ring gear end 24a of the rotor 24. In the illustrated embodiment, two toothed elements 16a are provided, each accessible from a corresponding side opening 11b located on the opposite side of the housing body 11.

[0110] At least one toothed element 16a is arranged in the housing body 11 so as to be movable in a direction transverse to the actuation axis A between a position disengaged from the ring gear end 24a and a position engaged with the ring gear end 24a. In the engaged position, rotation of the toothed element 16a about the transverse axis causes rotation of the rotor 24 about the actuation axis A, and thus causes translation of the control handle 14 along such actuation axis A.

[0111] A corresponding elastic return device (not shown) acts on each toothed element 16a to bring the toothed element 16a to a position disengaged from the rotor 24 when the toothed element 16a is not forced into an engaged position.

[0112] Figure 4 The disassembled actuation unit 10 according to the first embodiment is shown, i.e., the electric actuator 20 is removed from the housing body 11, for example, for replacement or maintenance of the electric actuator 20. As can be seen in such a figure, the control handle 14 can be removed from the electric actuator 20, remaining constrained to the housing body 11. The removal of the handle 14 is achieved by rotating the magnetic rotor 24, thereby determining the relative translation between the handle 14 and the rotor 24. Once at least one toothed element 16a engages with the ring gear end 24a of the rotor 24, this rotation can be easily applied by means of the at least one toothed element 16a.

[0113] Mounting the electric actuator 20 onto the housing body 11 also requires rotating the magnetic rotor 24. Once the maximum insertion position is reached, the protrusion 25a serves as a guide and center between the housing body 11 and the electric actuator 20, allowing the two components to be secured together in a configuration with precise alignment between the control handle 14 and the rotation axis of the magnetic rotor 24.

[0114] The electric actuator 20 can be mounted on the housing body 11 in two different configurations: the drive electronics 30 is arranged on a first side relative to the drive body 11 or on a second side opposite to the first side, such as... Figure 6a and Figure 6bAs shown in the diagram. For this purpose, the drive body 11 includes two engagement seats 11d, which are symmetrically arranged on its bottom wall 11c with respect to the intersection of the actuation axis A on the bottom wall 11c. This allows a pair of screws 27b to be screwed into the engagement seats 11d, which pass through the actuator body 23 parallel to the actuation axis A and are positioned equidistant from the actuation axis A, but offset by 180° relative to it.

[0115] Figure 7 The second preferred embodiment is illustrated, which is consistent with Figures 1 to 12. Figure 6b The only difference in the embodiment is the additional presence of a second manual drive device 50. The second manual drive device 50 includes a control lever (not shown) located outside the housing body 11 and rotatably connected to the housing body 11 at a pivot 51. Inside the housing body 11, a push arm 52 is provided, integrally connected to the control lever at the pivot 51, such that rotation of the lever outside the body 11 causes rotation of the push arm 52 inside the body 11.

[0116] The push arm 52 is then connected to the guide rod 15, such that rotation of the push arm 52 causes axial translation of the guide rod 15 along the actuation axis A. The push arm 52 is preferably in the form of a fork. Therefore, it comprises two branches, with the guide rod 15 arranged between these two branches. Each of the two branches of the push arm 52 is rotatably and slidably constrained to the guide rod 15 according to the guided motion. Specifically, each of the two branches of the push arm 52 is incorporated into a slide rail 52a, in which a corresponding ball 53 is constrained to slide and rotate, and the ball 53 is in turn constrained to rotate within a corresponding seat (not shown) formed on the outer surface of the guide rod 15. An abutment cam 15b is formed on the outer surface of the guide rod 15, which is configured to engage the side surface of the push arm 52 during rotation. Thus, rotation of the push arm 52 allows vertical thrust to be transmitted to the abutment cam 15b, and thereby to the control rod 15. In order to follow the movement applied by the push arm 52, the control handle 14 advantageously has a thread that is configured to allow the reversibility of the rotation of the control handle without a command applied by the electric actuator, thereby causing rotational motion on the magnetic rotor 24 as a result of translational motion applied to the control handle 14.

Claims

1. An actuation unit (10) of the toggle lever or cam type, said actuation unit comprising: The housing body (11) and the actuator element (13) are mounted to the housing body so that they can move between an open position and a closed operating position; A closing device (40) is arranged in the housing body (11) and configured to move the actuator element (13) between the open position and the closed operating position, wherein the closing device (40) is configured to reach an irreversible condition when the actuator element (13) reaches the closed operating position, and the closing device (40) is driven by a control handle (14). and An electric actuator (20) is provided with an actuator body (23) connected to the housing body (11). The electric actuator (20) is configured to cause the control handle (14) to move linearly along the actuation axis (A) between a first maximum insertion position and a second minimum insertion position in the actuator body (23). The electric actuator (20) includes a cylindrical electromagnetic stator (21) and a cylindrical hollow magnetic rotor (24) located inside the electromagnetic stator (21) and coaxial with the electromagnetic stator (21). The magnetic rotor (24) is capable of rotating about a rotation axis. The characteristic feature is that the connection between the actuator body (23) and the housing body (11) is releasable, and the end wall (25b) of the actuator body (23) serving as the connection interface with the housing body (11) and the bottom wall (11c) of the housing body (11) serving as the connection interface with the actuator body (23) are formed in a complementary manner to achieve relative positioning guidance between the actuator body (23) and the housing body (11) such that the actuation axis (A) is substantially coincident with the rotation axis of the magnetic rotor (24).

2. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator body (23) includes a guide and centering protrusion (25a) that extends at least partially toward the outside of the actuator body (23) from the end wall (25b) of the actuator body (23) which serves as a connection interface with the housing body (11), and wherein the housing body (11) includes a guide opening (37) formed on the bottom wall (11c) of the housing body (11) which serves as a connection interface with the actuator body (23), the guide opening being configured to receive and cooperate with the guide and centering protrusion (25a) in the guide opening to achieve the relative positioning guidance.

3. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator body (23) includes a guide and centering protrusion that is at least partially retracted toward the interior of the actuator body (23) and formed on the end wall (25b) of the actuator body (23) that serves as a connection interface with the housing body (11), and wherein the housing body (11) includes a guide and centering protrusion that protrudes from the bottom wall (11c) of the housing body (11) that serves as a connection interface with the actuator body (23), the guide opening being configured to receive the guide and centering protrusion (25a) in the guide opening and cooperate with the guide and centering protrusion to achieve the relative positioning guidance.

4. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least a portion of the cross section of the guide port (37) is complementary to the cross section of the guide and centering protrusion (25a) transverse to the actuation axis (A), and at least a portion of the guide port (37) having the complementary cross section is connected to the guide and centering protrusion (25a) by interference and / or with substantially no gap.

5. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first end (24a) of the magnetic rotor (24) protrudes from the actuator body (23) at the guide and centering protrusion (25a), wherein the guide opening (37) is shaped to accommodate the protruding first end (24a) in a rotatable manner.

6. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The first end of the magnetic rotor extends at least partially inside the housing body (11).

7. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The guide and centering protrusion (25a) has an extension that is axially symmetrical with respect to the actuation axis (A), and preferably has an extension that surrounds the first end (24a) of the magnetic rotor (24).

8. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The magnetic rotor (24) is constrained to the actuator body (23) by means of a pair of bearings (31, 32) so that it can rotate about the axis of rotation, wherein the bearings of the pair of bearings (31, 32) are preferably arranged substantially at or near the head end and bottom end of the actuator body (23).

9. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 8, wherein, The end cover (25) of the actuator body (23) that externally encloses the end wall (25b) defines a housing of the first bearing (31) of the pair of bearings (31, 32) facing the interior of the actuator body (23). The housing of the first bearing (31) is preferably formed at the relative positioning guide, more preferably at the guide and centering protrusion (25a).

10. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control handle (14) is threaded and integrally connected to the nut screw (22) of the magnetic rotor (24), wherein the nut screw (22) has internal threads configured to engage the threads of the control handle (14) such that rotation of the nut screw (22) causes translation of the threaded handle (14).

11. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 10, wherein, The nut screw (22) is substantially completely housed within a volume defined inside the hollow magnetic rotor (24), and wherein the nut screw (22) is preferably housed in the hollow magnetic rotor (24) at a first end (24a) protruding from the actuator body (23).

12. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein, The first end (24a) is made in the form of a conical ring gear, and wherein the actuation unit includes a first manual drive device (16) configured to apply rotation to the ring gear end (24a) of the magnetic rotor (24).

13. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bottom wall (11c) of the housing body (11) includes a pair of engagement seats (11d) arranged symmetrically about the intersection of the actuation axis (A) on the bottom wall (11c), and wherein the actuator body (23) includes a pair of screws (27b) that are parallel to the actuation axis (A) and intersect the actuator body (23), and are arranged at opposite angular positions relative to the actuation axis (A).

14. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a push arm (52) disposed inside the housing body (11) and configured to be connected to a control lever outside the housing body (11) such that rotation of the control lever outside the housing body (11) causes rotation of the push arm (52) inside the housing body (11), the push arm (52) being coupled to a guide rod (15) fixedly connected to the control handle (14) such that rotation of the push arm (52) causes axial translation of the guide rod (15) along the actuation axis (A).

15. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 14, wherein, The push arm (52) is made in the form of a fork, the fork comprising two branches, and the guide rod (15) is arranged between the two branches.

16. The actuation unit (10) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The push arm (52) is rotatably and slidably constrained to the guide rod (15) according to the guided motion.

17. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, An abutment cam is formed on the outer surface of the guide rod (15), the abutment cam being configured to engage the side surface of the push arm (52) during rotation of the push arm (52).

18. The actuation unit (10) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, Each of the two branches of the push arm (52) is incorporated into a slide rail, and the corresponding ball is constrained in the slide rail to slide and rotate, and the ball is further constrained to rotate within a corresponding seat made on the outer surface of the guide rod (15).

Images